MARINE OF THE WEEK // “I saw my sergeant laying down and I said, ‘Not today.’”
Cpl. Moses Cardenas
H&HS, 1st LAR, RCT-2, II Marine Expeditionary Force
Iraq, August 2, 2007
Award: Silver Star
While conducting a combat patrol, Lance Corporal Cardenas’ platoon was attacked by heavy automatic fire, a suicide bomber, and rocket propelled grenades after stopping two suspicious trucks. During the initial stage of the fight, a Marine fell wounded in the open between the opposing forces. Realizing that the bulk of friendly weapons were masked, Lance Corporal Cardenas left his safe position behind a vehicle and fought his way across 50 meters of fire-swept, open desert against five armed insurgents to rescue the fallen Marine. After sustaining a gunshot wound to the neck that knocked him to the ground, Lance Corporal Cardenas tenaciously rose to his feet, calmly reloaded his squad automatic weapon, and continued his assault until he reached the wounded Marine. With rounds impacting around him, Lance Corporal Cardenas alternated between pulling the wounded Marine and shooting bursts of controlled automatic fire at the enemy. After pulling the wounded Marine 100 meters, he continued suppressive fire while rendering first aid until medical personnel arrived to tend to the wounds of both Marines. Throughout this close and fierce fight, he ignored his own severe wounds, remained fixed on his task, and saved the life of a fellow Marine. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Lance Corporal Cardenas reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Outstanding. If you need to know what it means to be a Marine just read this story. Never leave a fellow Marine behind even at the risk of your own life. Ooh Rah Brother.
Great job wished I would have stayed in orah
Outstanding
Semper Fi.
I TRULY LOVE TO READ OF SELFLESSNESS OF THE UNITED STATES MARINES.
We take care of our own. No one gets left behind. Always faithful!
Ernie L. Martinez Sgt. 69-74 0351 world biggest shotgun CUPP Unit 106 / Embassy Security Forces you never leave fellow warriors behind OORAH!!
True heroes don’t wear capes they wear dog tags!!!
Semper Fi Marines
Just amazing, I can almost visualize it. Sounds like a Navy Cross to me.
Sure does, but sorry officers try to deny awards
Semper Fi!
What’s to say but OOHRAH !
Semper Fidelis
Well done Marine Semper Fi
Bravo Zulu, warrior…leave no one behind. I had the honor of serving with RCT-2 in IA IZ 2007-08 and AFG 2010-11 and was honored to serve along some amazing Marines, Sailors and Royal Marines. They have carried on the same tenacity and legacy of those Marines and Sailors who assaulted the beachhead of Tarawa…Keep Moving!
Semper Fi Marine well done
In the Corps Is what the DI’s teach you from the begining. Never leave any Marine behind.
Same as when I was in Nam. It never changes. Being a Marine is not a givin. It’s a right of passage.
Semper Fi
Sgt. 67-71 Viet Nam 67 to 69.
Herb Z.
Selfless and heroic. God Bless you.
Well done. Never leave a Marine behind.
Ooh rah!
Outstanding Marine!!! OORAH
I know Chesty Puller would agree with me when I say, ‘Now that’s what I call a Marine’.
Semper Fi